"The common-law, in its grand simplicity, recognizing the right of all the rated
parishioners to assemble in vestry, and administer parochialaffairs." -- Sir T. Erskine May.

"Parishes have municipal rights and duties which have existed and do exist, indepen-
dent of any ecclesiastical organization." -- An Hereditary High Churchman.

"The New England towns had no special originality, save the deep religious senti-
ment by which they were pervaded and controlled. They were naturally suggested by
existing organizations, in England, substantially similar." -- Hon. Geo. F. Hoar.

"It was of necessity, then, that the New Englander should provide a meeting house
as soon as a church and town were organized. The edifice was called a meeting house;
possibly at first because it was to be used indifferently as a place for both religious and
civil transactions." -- President Noah Porter.

"The vestries of that day represented all the local and municipal government there
was in Virginia." -- Peyton's History of Augusta County.

Of course it became a parish and county at the same time." -- Bishop Meade.

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